Dr. Frederick William Woodruff
June 19, 1923 to November 22, 2020
Obituary
To view the online prayer service for the late Dr. Frederick William Woodruff on Thursday, November 26th at 4:00PM, from the Carnell Memorial Chapel, please follow link below:
https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=160632393287386
Dr. Frederick William Woodruff passed away peacefully in St John’s NL on November 22, 2020, aged 97 years.
Predeceased by son-in-law John Goosney, He is survived by Mary, his loving wife of 70 years; children, Stephen (Katja), Janet Goosney, Kate Saunders (John) and Paul (Lisa) and grandchildren Claire, Evan, Marc, Lauren and Andrew.
Fred served with REME during World War II. In 1963 he emigrated from the UK to Twillingate where he served as a physician until his retirement. He will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him, as friend, colleague or patient.
A funeral service will take place at a later date.
In his memory donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House.
Sad to know you are no longer with us my very good friend. Continue to rest in peace.
Amen..
to mary and all the family. i have just found out the sad news. i hope you remember me and my mom from tipton many years ago. I have very dear memories of fred mary and especially katie and paul during my visit in the late seventies. my mom was very fond of fred as was i and all my family.Mom passed away in 1997 and would have been so sad to hear of his passing. what a lovely man he was. My thoughts and love to you all. Debbie Williams now Brookes. i would love to be in touch again
To Paul, Lisa and the Woodruff Family: We apologize for the lateness of sending our condolences as we just found out about your Dad’s passing.. We recall your dad as such a Giant Gentle Man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. Take care
Darryl & Peggy Nixon
To the whole Woodruff family. I was saddened to hear of Fred’s passing but happy that I was lucky enough to have shared time with this soft spoken, gentile, kind and warm gentleman. Knowing Fred and Mary from our lives in New World Island. Aside from being friends we have also been always grateful to Fred as one of the medical team that saved our youngest daughter during birth. Later in life our paths crossed again at Kenny’s Pond Retirement Home. Fred was such an enthusiastic and positive member of my choir there for years. I recall so many wonderful conversations and laughter. His spirit and energy will stay close for years in our memories.
Dear Janet
I know how much you adored him and how much you miss him already. I am so terribly sorry, from Julia
My Condolences to the Woodruff family. I knew Fred as a teacher and colleague and admired him as a wise rural Family Doc. In medical school in the 70’s during rotations in Twillingate and in the early 1980’s as a locum in Twillingate I got to see his enthuisiasm for rural medicine and the people of Twillingate Area. He always wanted you to experience the medicine and the community. He led the Medical Association and in retirement on meeting was eager to catch up on what you were doing. A life well lived. Take care
Kate and John and Family. Sincere condolences on the passing of your father. Thinking of you at this time.
Garland and Jennifer
Most sincere condolences. My parents became friends with Fred & Mary in the early 90s. I can recall Dad and Fred enjoying their get together at Par-Tee golf during the long winter months and the four of them heading off to Lifelong learning events. They were able to share stories of living and working in rural Newfoundland. The past few years I have quite often spoken to Fred while visiting my mother at Kenny’s Pond.
Our thoughts are with you.
Charles & Kelly
Mrs. Woodruff and all the Woodruff family. Myself and Wavey were deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Woodruff. Wavey as precious memories of working with him as a young nurse in Twillingate, and often comments as to what a pleasure it was. I have memories of being cared for by him when I was only a little boy. Though now a man of 60 years, I still have a mental picture of him waving at me through a O. R. window on one occasion when my parents came down from Tizzard,s Harbour to get me. We both enjoyed our visits with him after you moved to town. Dr. Woodruff was such a caring and inspiring man who was loved by many ( particularly in the Twillingate, New World Island area ) and his love for them shone through. He leaves behind a great legacy.
Our sincere condolences to Mary and family. I always enjoyed my time with the Monday Morning Men’s Club at the Botanical Garden. Fred was a very valued member. I don’t think that we ever had occasion to require any medical services from him during our tool time in the workshop but it was always a pleasure to partake in a nice cup of tea and a bickey with Bernard Jackson and the rest of the crew. The skill sets that each member had to contribute was second to none. It was a wonderful opportunity for all of us to learn from each other. Fred will always be there in our thoughts.
Gerry Yetman and Jennifer Perry
Dear cousins Steve, Katie, Janey and Paul,
It was lovely to be with you ‘remotely’ yesterday for dear Uncle Fred’s funeral. My deepest condolences and love to all of you and all your families.
I echo my brother Bill’s words. Reflecting today, I am imagining how delighted ‘our kid’ will be to be reunited with his dear brother ‘Snoz’ (as they called each other) and with their dear sister Joyce.
Much love, Faith
To Mary and all the Woodruff family.
I got to know Fred at the Senior Resource Educational classes. and at Tai Chi.
I remember his zest for life and his sense of humor. A kind compassionate man.And at Tai Chi we will remember Fred’s roll as he conducted the class..A great genrleman and my life has been enriched by knowing him
Michael Boyle
Sincere condolences on the passing of my friend and your dear father. We first met when we had both retired and were volunteering with MUN Botanical Gardens. I recently had the pleasure of seeing him again at a Veterans luncheon here at Tiffany Village.
I remember Dr. Woodruff from when I lived in Twillingate. He was such a kind man. So sorry for your loss. He was good to my father, Cpl. Beer.
Janet and family
So very sorry to hear about you dad.
May your wonderful memories of him be with you now and comfort you at this sad time
Thinking about you (Julia called me, both of us are sending love)
Joan Hartery
Condolences to you and your family Paul. So sorry for your loss.
Dear Auntie Mary, Steve, Janey, Katie and Paul,
My mother [Jean Woodruff, Don’s widow and Fred’s sister in law] has asked me to pass on her condolences, lots of love and her thanks for the memories. She was telling me a few good stories on the phone earlier today (26 Nov), including the one where Aunty Mary hung pound notes around the flat when she and Uncle Fred were newly-weds and Fred was still a medical student, to celebrate Fred’s overdue education grant coming through.
I would like to include with this note the same sentiments from me [Bill Woodruff, nephew] and my siblings: Claire, Peter, Alastair and Faith.
I have some great memories of Uncle Fred. He was a bit of a hero to me, probably because he was to my Dad too, his younger brother Don. My Dad won’t mind me saying that. Dad told me how proud he was of his older brother when they were at school (Roundhay School in Leeds), where Dad was a few years behind Fred, and the morning assemblies often included tales of Uncle Fred’s deeds on the cricket pitch representing the school.
When my Dad was old enough to join the Army during the second world war, he volunteered for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), following in Fred’s footsteps. When they were demobilised, they both followed a logical path from REME, with Dad studying Mechanical Engineering (and making it his career) and Fred starting Electrical Engineering. However, my mother tells me, Fred had wanted to be a doctor since boyhood and switched to medicine (and made that his career).
I also have strong personal memories of visiting Newfoundland and having fun with Uncle Fred and Aunty Mary and my cousins.
I had one of the best holidays of my life in Twillingate in August 1966 when I was 11. I travelled on my own (my Dad put me on the plane at Prestwick airport in Scotland), and I had a three week adventure holiday with you all, including Paul who was about 18 months old at the time. Uncle Fred had us swimming and boating in ponds, tuna fishing out at sea and rifle shooting, and we always ended the day’s activities with a bottle of Coca-Cola.
Then I travelled to St John’s with my parents to attend Paul and Lisa’s wedding in 1989. We stayed with Uncle Fred and Mary and had a super holiday, with the highlight being the wedding in Twillingate. Fred and my Dad had a great time together. Happy days.
When my Dad died in 2013, his sister Joyce used a cricketing analogy and told me he’d had a good innings, which I liked. I’m sure Uncle Fred would approve of me continuing his sister’s approach and I would like to close by saying: “well played Uncle Fred, that was fine innings”.
I am so saddened by this news, I took care of Fred for a couple of months, he was such a magical and fascinating soul, we use to have long & educational chats, I think about him often. What an honour to have known him, my condolences to the family & of course, sweet Mary ❤️
Paul and family I want to give my deepest condolence for the loss of your father. 97 years is a long time to enjoy his presence. May he rest in peace.
Mary, Paul and the Woodruff family. So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. I have many memories of our year’s working together at Notre Dame Bay Memorial. Fred had a very unique way of letting you know if he disagreed with something. He would look you straight in the eye and with a smile say ” I challenge that” . Just one of my fond memories. Hazel and I send our sincere condolences. Max Saint.
We have known Fred from the time Mary came to the Seniors Resource Centre to volunteer in 1994. Fred was a great believer in keeping an alert mind so he enthusiastically organized the Centre’s Lifelong Learners group and enjoyed classes in subjects as varied as Newfoundland and Labrador history, weather and climate, birding, psychology and archaeology. In addition, for several years Rosemary‘s late husband Peter played chess with Fred, an activity they both enjoyed.
Our condolences to Mary and the Woodruff family.
Rosemary Lester and Yvonne Jacobs
Mrs. Woodruff and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Many years ago, I had the pleasure of playing Fred in a number of chess tournaments. We were rated at about the same strength which meant that when we played each other it was always a close battle. He was a kind and thoughtful man who left a lasting impression on me. My sincere condolences.
Sending heartfelt condolences to you all at this sad time.
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My sincere condolences to Paul, Lisa and the entire Woodruff family.
Fred Woodruff. A kind, empathetic, wise and multi talented doctor. A gifted teacher. A truly decent human being.
Our memories bring great warmth and Hope
His family will grieve with great pride.
Remembered from Twillingate 1968 and many other times.
Blessings and love to Mary.
Kate, John and Family:
Our deepest sympathy to you all. We were so sorry to hear of your father’s passing.
Karen and Brad Smith
Paul and family,
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. His legacy will forever be remembered for such a contribution to the community and surrounding area. Condolences are sent your way.
Kate and family,
Sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
God Bless.
Greg and Charmaine
Paul, Lisa, Marc, Lauren, and Andrew… condolences to all of you…..
So sorry to hear of your loss.Our thoughts are with you.Sean and Connie
Our sincere condolences to the Woodruff family. I have fond memories of working with him when I started my nursing career. In Twillingate. Sheila ( Burton) Guy
Sorry to hear of Dr Woodruff passing .Condolences to the family
Paul and family:
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. His legacy and contribution to the betterment of his community will be remembered.
Paul and Family
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your dad.
Your dad lived a good and long life.and my memories of him and his family will live on.
Dear Janet, Mrs. Goosney and family,
My thoughts are with you as you confront your loss.
I didn’t know Dr. Woodruff, except through his colleagues who respected him and valued his integrity and friendship; his patients, who admired and trusted him to look after them and their families; and his daughter Janet, who adored him.
This was a life well lived.
RIP Dr. Woodruff.
Woodruff family. Sorry to hear of your dad’s passings. I have many memories of Dr. Woodruff during my family time living in Twillingate, being next door neighbours and my few visits to the hospital for stitches along with strains and sprains. Sincere condolences to you all.
LeMoine Coleridge
Mrs. Woodruff, Paul, Lisa and family,
So very to hear about the passing of Dr. Woodruff. Please know my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Mary Lynn Granville
Paul, Lisa and family
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. Cherish all the wonderful memories you’ve shared over his long life. May he Rest In Peace.
Ed and Agatha Howlett
Janet, I’m so sorry to hear your dad is gone. Only the other day I was thinking of him and your mom. I remember you telling me about your mom when she left England, never to see her mother again. Times sure were different.
Your dad was very clever and inquisitive and had a great sense of humour. He was a delightful man. How fortunate he was to have a woman follow him to one of the four corners of the world, where they raised four beautiful children.
You still have him, in your heart.
Condolences to the Woodruff family on the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I came to know Mr. Woodruff when he became a resident of Kenny’s Pond Retirement Home. I was one of his caregivers.
Dianne Price
Paul, Lisa and the Woodruff family.
We were so sorry to read about your father’s death. I have fond memories of your mother and father when they were in Tai Chi classes, He was a real gentleman.
His son is just like him! You are all in our thoughts and prayers..
Noreen and Harold Press
So very sorry to learn of you Dad’s passing.. Our sincere condolences to You and Family.
Deepest condolences from the Garcia family. Dr. Woodruff was a college and friend of my father’s. He and Mary often visited our house. Such lovely people. May he rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to the Woodruff family. I had the honour of working with Dr. Woodruff as a nurse for 2 years. It was his encouragement that prompted me to attend medical school.
Paul, Lisa and Woodruff family please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your dad.. Cherish the wonderful memories during this difficult time.
Jim and Marilyn Higdon
My sincere condolences to your family.
My Dad, Jim Lambe, has lived for the past 15 months across the hall from your parents at Kenny’s Pond. Your Dad and I always had a little chat or a brief exchange each time he walked by.
No matter their age or our age losing a parent leaves a void in our heart and our lives. I will say a special prayer for him.
May he rest in peace.
Thinking of you all at this time. Good memories of Dr. Woodruff and your family from our Twillingate days.
Take care
Laurie Crowe and family
My Sincere Condolences to your entire Family.
Paul, and the extended Woodruff family our sincerest sympathies on the passing of your loved one. Dr Woodruff has left a legacy of care and compassion extended over his long life. Cherish your treasured memories, they will bring comfort in the days ahead.
June and Marilyn
Paul, my sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad. He sounds like a remarkable man. May your fond memories be a blessing.
Paul, please accept our condolences on the loss of your dear Dad. You and your family are in our thoughts. Warmest wishes, Sandy Harvey and Norman Turner, Ottawa ON.
Paul and family;
Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Paul, Lisa and the Woodruff family:
Condolences on the loss of your father, cherish the great memories you must have , as they will give you comfort at this time. May he RIP.
Bob & Sharon Morgan
So sorry to hear of Dr. Woodruff’s passing. He was a great doctor and very highly respected here in Twillingate. He looked after my dad during during some trying illnesses and even at my dad’s passing. Our prayers are with the family.
Kate and family,
So sorry to learn of your father’s passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Kate and Family,
So sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing.. Deepest condolences to you all..
Connie Winter
Sorry to hear of Dr. Woodruff’s passing. .A life well lived. He was a person of great integrity & service to the community & was greatly admired. . Having a daughter who is a Doctor, we appreciate the long hours & dedicated service .He made a real difference in this world . Please accept our sincere condolences. Christine (nee Ashbourne )&Peter Caskey, & family., Ottawa, ON.
Jan,
Tim and I are so sorry to hear you dad has passed away.
We always enjoyed the conversations we had with him over the years.
Our sincere condolences to you and your mom, Stephen, Kate, Paul and all the family.
Hugs
We send our sincere sympathy to you Mary and family
as we remember a life well lived. your gentle and kind love one meant so much to so many. we always enjoyed meeting and sharing his wit and friendly chats
So sorry for your loss.I will miss this dear sweet man.He was a very kind soul.It was my pleasure to know this man ,and to care for him.Rest in peace!!
Our sincere condolences to the Woodruff family .. Both of us had the great pleasure of working with Dr. Woodruff during our early years in Twillingate.. Thinking of you all at this most difficult time.
Love & Prayers
Mohamed and Dianne Ravalia
Our sincere condolences to the Woodruff family; we have fond memories of Dr Woodruff from our Twillingate days.
Thinking of you with love and sympathy at this time.
Jim and Shirley Penney
Lewisporte
We were saddened to hear of Dr. Woodruff’s passing. We remember him and Mary fondly. I remember visits to your house when Janie and I (Norma) were young teenagers. He was always very welcoming . Mary and I shared a great love of the Public Library. They contributed greatly to Twillingate and are remembered by so many. May he Rest In Peace.
To the Woodruff family
Saddened to here of Dr. Woodruffs passing. I have many wonderful childhood memories of the many sleepovers at the Woodruff household with Kate ! Thinking of you all at this sad time!
Thinking of you all and remembering the wonderful times we all had together. The memories are the most precious gift your father could give.
To Dr. Woodruff’s Family,
I met Dr. Woodruff at Kenny’s Pond Retirement Residence where my Stepfather lived for ten years. My stepfather used to make walking sticks in the carpentry shop at Kenny’s Pond and I know Dr. Woodruff fancied one, so Pop made one for him. I used to see him heading out for a walk with his walking stick quite often. He was so pleasant to stop and chat with and I enjoyed seeing him and his lovely wife every time I visited at KP. My stepdad thought very highly of Dr. Woodruff and had a connection has he was born in Fogo and passed away in August of 2020 at the age of 96. Sincere sympathy from Stephanie Gavell
My most Sincere and Deepest condolences to all the Family
My Heart was very heavy and sad this morning as I learned of your passing Fred.
I feel so Blessed to have gotten to know you in the short span of my work here at Kenny’s pond ,we never know who will come into our lives and end up being so Special
I shall remember you always and those hugs,laughs,songs, talks, and your Humor and wit.
I loved finding all your little things that went astray lol
May Mary and all of your children hold close to their Hearts the Memorable life you all had..
Your Friend Mary number two -Housekeeper
To Paul and family. I am sadden to hear about your dad’s passing. I have some great memories of him from the times when we (Paul and I) use to hang around together. Know that your in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul and family:
Deepest sympathy on the passing of your Dad. Thinking of you with love and prayers!
A wonderful man who has left a remarkable impression on everyone he met. God bless and comfort his amazing wife Mary and all his family, and friends..
To the Woodruff family:
Darl and I are thinking of you all and sending our condolences.
Such good memories of a genuinely, caring man who I not only knew as a doctor while growing up but also as a expert driver to school in his land rover, a great swimming pool keeper and a very loving father to his family. Sending hugs to all.
Paul, Lisa and family! Sincere condolences on your father’s passing! What a wonderful age to reach!
Bren and Carol Follett
Lisa, Paul and Family. So sorry to hear about your Fathers passing.
Max and Joan Burt
To Mrs. Woodruff, Stephen, Janet & Katie,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Dr. Woodruff. There are wonderful memories – too numerous to mention! It was my privilege to work with Dr. Woodruff from 1977 until his retirement. He was a truly kind, compassionate & highly skilled physician. He was the last of the “older” doctors that were at NDBMH when I first started work & from whom I learned so much. Please know that there are many in our area, whose lives he touched, who mourn with you. Thinking of you all with love & sympathy.
To Mary and the rest of the family …. Sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. I have many great memories of you and Fred when you lived here in Twillingate — your friendship with Doreen & I, the Christmas parties, etc.
God bless you at this time of sorrow.
As a former Patient of yours , I have VERY memorable instances of my interactions with you. You were like an Uncle to me and always gave me exactly what I needed medically.
God Bless you my favourite Doctor and please May You Rest in Peace.
My family and I knew Dr Fred in Twillingate both as a physician and friend. Fred patiently nurtured my love of and curiosity in medicine which had been my first academic choice. You mother Mary most of us believed , walked on water. They modeled for the rest of us the appropriateness of many things.
I grieve his loss but I give thanks for the strength he brought . Blessings through this COVID pandemic.
The Reverend Archdeacon John and Ruth Spencer , Stratford, Ontario
Condolences to Dr. Woodruff family… I worked in N . D. B. Hospital as a student nurse in the 70’s. Dr. Wolfrey was a Great person to work for and Great Dr. Pleasant to be around.
I have many memories of working with Dr. Fred Woodruff from 1972 until his retirement. It was truly a pleasure to work beside him, his bedside manner, his respect for each person he helped care for was first class all the way. He was deeply missed when he retired. Heartfelt condolences to all the family.
Carl and Eula Dalley
Twillingate
Sorry to hear of the loss of this wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Some grest memories from his time in Twillingate.
John and Linda Gillett and family.
To the Woodruff family.
I had to the privilege to work with Dr. Woodruff from 1983 until he retired. He was a true gentleman and had a wonderful bedside manner, and a respect for each and every employee no matter what department you worked in. As a new Graduate of Nursing School this was wonderful to witness. May it help ease your pain to know others share in your sorrow. God Bless.
Sometimes there are no perfect words just thoughtful silence that whispers of caring. God bless.